Semi crashes prompt unique initiative

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Concern over semi-trailer accidents like the one that took place Monday, July 20 on I-65 in White County has prompted state troopers to ride with truckers and search for traffic violators.

In Monday's accident a semi crashed when its driver tried to avoid a car who had cut in front of the truck.

( Read about Monday's accident )

Troopers will ride in semi cabs. When they notice a someone driving in an unsafe manner, they will radio nearby officers who will stop and ticket aggressive drivers.

Indiana Trooper Wayne Flick says statistics show show the driver of cars are usually the cause of accidents between cars and semis.

Police provided the following tips to assist drivers of and cars and trucks in sharing the road safely.

Tips for car drivers:

1. Never cut in front of a truck. A fully loaded truck can take up to 400 feet to stop.
2. Keep a safety cushion around trucks. Try to keep a 10 car length gap when in front of a truck and 20-25 car lengths when following a truck. A car traveling 55 mph will take 130-140 feet to stop.
3. Never linger alongside a truck. You may be in a blind spot.
4. Pass trucks quickly. This will increase your visibility to the truck driver.
5. Only change lanes when you can see both headlights of the truck behind you.
6. Only pass a truck on the left when possible. The blind spot is larger on the right side of the truck.
7. Check a truck’s mirrors. If you cannot see the face of the truck driver, he cannot see you.
8. Allow trucks adequate space to maneuver. Trucks require additional area when turning.

Tips for truckers:

1. Pre-inspect the condition of your truck and the securement of the load.
2. Get in a safe mindset.
3. Buckle up! It’s the law.
4. Obey all traffic laws. It doesn’t pay to get in a hurry.
5. Maintain a safe following distance.
6. Make ONLY safe and necessary lane changes. Lane changes increase the risk of a crash.
7. Focus on your driving not the driving of others. Distractions cause crashes.
8. NEVER drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
9. Get enough sleep. Fatigue dulls one’s senses and increases reaction times.